caracole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Literary, Historical, Equestrian Technical
Quick answer
What does “caracole” mean?
A half-turn or spiral movement, especially a sideways movement performed by a horse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A half-turn or spiral movement, especially a sideways movement performed by a horse.
To execute such a turn or spiral; to perform a prancing, winding, or zigzagging movement. Historically, a cavalry maneuver.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in British English due to its historical and equestrian associations.
Connotations
Connotes formality, historical context, and specialized knowledge in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in common speech in both varieties. More likely encountered in historical novels, military history, or equestrian literature.
Grammar
How to Use “caracole” in a Sentence
[Subject] caracoled (intransitive)[Subject] caracoled [Adverbial of direction]to perform a caracole (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caracole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dressage champion's mount caracoled beautifully before the judges.
- The cavalry unit was trained to caracole in unison before discharging their pistols.
American English
- The show horse caracoled to the left before halting. (Spelling note: same)
- In the reenactment, the riders caracoled down the field in a complex maneuver.
adverb
British English
- Not standard.
American English
- Not standard.
adjective
British English
- Not standard. Use 'spiralling' or 'caracoling' as a participle adjective.
American English
- Not standard. Use 'spiraling' or 'caracoling' as a participle adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical or literary studies, particularly regarding cavalry tactics or Baroque horsemanship.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used.
Technical
Used in dressage and classical equitation to describe a precise 180-degree turn (half-pirouette) in place.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caracole”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'turn'.
- Misspelling as 'caracol' (Spanish for snail/shell) or 'carousel'.
- Pronouncing the final 'e' silently.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialised word. You will primarily encounter it in historical, literary, or equestrian contexts.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to perform a half-turn or spiral movement'. (e.g., 'The horse caracoled elegantly.')
It comes from the French word 'caracole' (meaning a snail's shell, a spiral staircase, or a half-turn), which itself derives from Spanish 'caracol' (snail, shell).
Yes. In classical dressage, a 'pirouette' is a full 360-degree turn in place. A 'caracole' (or half-pirouette) is a 180-degree turn in place.
A half-turn or spiral movement, especially a sideways movement performed by a horse.
Caracole is usually formal, literary, historical, equestrian technical in register.
Caracole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkærəkəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɛrəˌkoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAR with a spirAL COIL; a car doing a spiral coil is performing a 'caracole'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS A SPIRAL / CEREMONIAL DISPLAY IS A DANCE (The horse's caracole is a dance-like display of training and control).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'caracole' MOST appropriately used?